If you’re looking for a way to make restaurant-style wings at home, you’re in the right place. This guide will show you exactly how to cook TGI Fridays wings in air fryer, giving you that crispy, flavorful result you love without needing to deep fry.
Air fryers are fantastic for wings. They use hot air to create a crispy exterior while keeping the inside juicy. This method is quicker and cleaner than traditional frying. And the best part? You can get that TGI Fridays taste right in your own kitchen. We’ll cover everything from choosing the right wings to getting the sauce just right.
How To Cook TGI Fridays Wings In Air Fryer
This is the core method for achieving perfect wings that mimic the restaurant experience. The key steps are simple: prepare, season, air fry, and sauce.
What You’ll Need
Gathering your ingredients and tools first makes the process smooth. Here’s your checklist.
- Chicken Wings: About 2 pounds of fresh or thawed chicken wings. You can use whole wings, or look for “party wings” which are already split into drumettes and flats.
- Oil: A high-heat oil like avocado oil, canola oil, or light olive oil. You only need about 1 tablespoon.
- Dry Seasoning: Salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika form a great base. This simple blend adds flavor and helps with browning.
- TGI Fridays Sauce: You can use store-bought TGI Fridays branded sauce (like their Jack Daniels glaze or Buffalo style) or make a copycat version at home.
- Your Air Fryer: Any model will work, but cooking times might vary slightly.
- Mixing Bowls: One for tossing wings in oil and seasoning, and another for coating them in sauce later.
- Tongs: For safely flipping and moving the hot wings.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
Follow these numbered steps for the best results. Don’t skip the drying step—it’s crucial for crispiness.
- Dry the Wings: Pat the chicken wings completely dry with paper towels. Removing surface moisture is the single most important step for getting crispy skin in the air fryer.
- Season: In a large bowl, toss the dried wings with 1 tablespoon of oil until they’re lightly coated. Then, sprinkle on 1 teaspoon of salt, ½ teaspoon of black pepper, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, and 1 teaspoon of paprika. Toss again until evenly coated.
- Preheat Air Fryer: If your air fryer has a preheat function, set it to 380°F (193°C) for 3-5 minutes. Preheating helps start the cooking process immediately for even crisping.
- Arrange in Basket: Place the wings in the air fryer basket in a single layer. They should not be stacked or crowded. Air needs to circulate all around them. You may need to cook in batches.
- Cook: Air fry at 380°F (193°C) for 12 minutes. Then, open the basket, use tongs to flip each wing over. Increase the temperature to 400°F (204°C) and cook for another 10-14 minutes, or until the wings are golden brown, crispy, and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Sauce the Wings: Transfer the hot, cooked wings to a clean bowl. Pour your desired amount of TGI Fridays sauce over them. Toss gently but thoroughly until every wing is coated. For extra sticky wings, you can return the sauced wings to the air fryer for just 1-2 minutes to set the glaze.
- Serve: Serve your wings immediately while they’re hot and crispy. They pair perfectly with celery sticks, carrot sticks, and your favorite ranch or blue cheese dressing.
Choosing Your Sauce
The sauce defines the flavor. While you can buy bottles of TGI Fridays sauce, making a copycat can be more fun and customizable.
Store-Bought Option
Look for TGI Fridays branded sauces in the condiment or international aisle of your grocery store. Their Jack Daniels glaze is a popular choice, as is their Buffalo sauce. Just warm the sauce slightly in a saucepan before tossing with the wings for better coverage.
Homemade Copycat Glaze
This simple version captures the sweet, smoky, and tangy notes of a classic glaze.
- 1/2 cup barbecue sauce
- 1/4 cup honey or brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- A pinch of cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
Combine all ingredients in a small saucepan over medium heat. Whisk until smooth and heated through, about 5 minutes. Let it cool slightly before tossing with your wings.
Pro Tips for the Best Air Fryer Wings
These small adjustments can make a big difference in your final result. Paying attention to these details is worth it.
- Don’t Skip the Dry Step: We mentioned it before, but it’s worth repeating. Wet wings steam instead of fry, leading to soggy skin.
- Use a Light Hand with Sauce: If you want maximum crispiness, serve the sauce on the side for dipping. Coating wings always softens the skin a bit, even if you flash-cook them again.
- Check Internal Temperature: The best way to know your wings are done is to use a meat thermometer. Insert it into the thickest part of a drumette, avoiding the bone. It should read 165°F.
- Shake the Basket: Some air fryer models recomend shaking the basket halfway through instead of flipping each wing individually. Flipping with tongs is usually more thorough, but shaking can work in a pinch.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Knowing what not to do is just as important as knowing the right steps. Avoid these pitfalls for perfect wings everytime.
- Crowding the Basket: Overloading prevents hot air circulation. Cook in batches if you have to. It’s better to wait a few extra minutes than to have uneven, steamed wings.
- Adding Wet Sauce Before Cooking: Never sauce wings before they go in the air fryer (unless following a specific “wet” batter recipe). The sugar in most sauces will burn and create a mess.
- Not Preheating: While not always mandatory, preheating gives you more consistent results and better initial crisping, especially from frozen.
- Forgetting to Flip: Flipping halfway ensures both sides get evenly crispy and browned. It’s a simple step that has a major impact.
Serving Suggestions & Side Dishes
Complete your TGI Fridays at-home experience with classic sides. These pairings are tried and true.
- Classic Veggies & Dip: A cool, crunchy platter of celery and carrot sticks with ranch or blue cheese dressing is essential.
- Potato Wedges: You can cook seasoned potato wedges in your air fryer right after the wings for a full meal.
- Onion Rings: Another air fryer-friendly side that feels like a restaurant treat.
- Coleslaw: A tangy, creamy coleslaw helps cut through the richness of the wings.
FAQ: Your Questions Answered
Here are answers to some common questions about making these wings.
Can I cook frozen wings in the air fryer?
Yes, you can. You do not need to thaw them first. Add about 5-8 minutes to the total cooking time. Cook at 380°F for 15 minutes, flip, then cook at 400°F for another 10-15 minutes. Always check that the internal temperature is 165°F.
Why are my air fryer wings not crispy?
The most likely cause is excess moisture. Make sure you pat the wings very dry before adding oil and seasoning. Also, ensure you are not overcrowding the basket, as this creates steam. Cooking at a high enough temperature for the final phase is also key.
How do I reheat leftover wings?
The air fryer is the best tool for reheating leftovers. Reheat at 375°F for 3-5 minutes, until hot and crispy again. The microwave will make them soft and rubbery, so avoid that if you can.
Can I use baking powder for crispier wings?
Yes, many people swear by it. Adding 1 teaspoon of aluminum-free baking powder to your dry seasoning mix can help draw moisture to the surface and promote extra browning and crispness. It’s a great trick for super-crispy skin.
Cleaning and Maintenance Tips
Taking care of your air fryer after cooking messy wings will make it last longer. Sauce can bake on if not cleaned promptly.
- Let the appliance cool down completely before cleaning.
- Remove the basket and tray. Soak them in warm, soapy water to loosen any stuck-on bits.
- Wipe the inside of the main unit with a damp cloth. Never submerge the main base in water.
- For stubborn, sticky sauce residue, a paste of baking soda and water can help scrub it off gently.
Making your favorite restaurant wings at home is simple and satisfying. With your air fryer, you get a result that’s crispy, juicy, and full of flavor, with a lot less oil and cleanup. The method for how to cook TGI Fridays wings in air fryer is straightforward once you know the key steps: dry, season, air fry in a single layer, and sauce at the end. Experiment with different sauces and seasonings to find your perfect combination. You might find you prefer this homemade version to waiting for a table at the restaurant.